In an ideal world, your home would be a haven, not a target for thieves. Burglaries happen every 26 seconds in the United States, as the FBI says, but we always think of locking doors and setting alarms to foolproof. Crafty burglars know exactly where to look for treasures. Their methods are not so much poking under mattresses; they can be just as creative as a blockbuster heist movie.
Don’t lose hope! With a little foresight and some smart adjustments, you can keep one step ahead of these opportunists. Today, let’s look at some of the less obvious places burglars look for valuables and how to outsmart them.
The Sock Drawer
Hollywood has taught thieves that the sock drawer is a great place to stash cash and small valuables. A burglar will turn that drawer inside out so quickly that it doesn’t matter how neatly your socks are folded. Decoys, like a small stashed stash of fake cash, should go in places thieves expect. Store real valuables in unpredictable places.
The Bathroom Cabinet
It may seem clever hiding your treasures in the bathroom, but it’s one of the first places thieves will check. According to Ambassadors Locksmith, burglars already raid cabinets for prescription medications, which can be worth a lot of money to them, and might accidentally come across your hidden cash or jewelry in the process. If you have medications, keep them locked in a secure box and keep valuables in a different place. Thieves are not going to spend any time looking in random unexpected places.
Children’s Rooms
Some burglars are unscrupulous enough to search a child’s room, and it might seem cruel, but it’s true. It’s not uncommon for parents to assume that toys or stuffed animals make a great place to hide cash or small valuables. Experienced thieves will know this trick and rip through even the most innocent of spaces. Don’t include anything valuable in children’s rooms. Better yet, lock up your valuables in less conspicuous spots or buy a home safe.
Potted Plants
It might sound clever to hide cash or jewelry in a flowerpot, but burglars know this one too. If they detect you hiding anything, they’re likely to lift, shake, or even empty pots. Instead, pick a diversion safe that will blend with your home’s decor and leave the plants for decoration.
Behind Picture Frames
A hidden safe behind a picture frame might seem like a clever movie trope, but it’s actually one of the first places burglars look. A tug at the edges of a frame can tell you if there’s something valuable hidden behind it. Select a wall safe that is professional grade and fits into the flow of your home design instead of relying upon frames as camouflage.
The Laundry Hamper
Stowing away valuables in amongst a mountain of dirty socks is genius—who on earth would want to rummage through that? But thieves aren’t squeamish. If they even smell there’s something worthwhile inside, they’ll dump out hampers in seconds. Diversion safes designed to look like common household items like cleaning supplies or canned goods should be used. Luckily, these are much harder to spot than your laundry basket.
Inside Books
Stuffing cash or documents into a book sounds clever, but it’s an old trick … literally. Bookshelves are swept for buried treasures by thieves; they part book covers at random to reveal what treasure might be within. Hollowed-out books should only be used sparingly for decoys. If you are looking for real security, go for professional safes that are disguised as household items.
The Refrigerator
The refrigerator may seem like an odd one, but burglars know that people tuck money and jewelry inside or behind food containers or condiments. Store your groceries in your fridge, and invest in a security solution that doesn’t make you second guess about hiding spots.
Under the Mattress
While today it’s practically a cliché, it’s not uncommon for people to hide valuables under their mattress. Almost guaranteed they will search this classic spot in a break-in, save your mattress for sleeping. Get creative and use unassuming places that burglars won’t check, or get a floor safe.
The Attic
You think your attic is this untouched treasure trove, something that thieves are not going to bother with because it’s too far up. However, burglars realize that homeowners keep important keepsakes and valuable items there. It’s fair game if it’s accessible. Rather than depending on your attic, you can use a fireproof and tamper-proof safe for irreplaceable documents and heirlooms.
The Garage
The garage serves as storage for valuables like expensive tools, bikes, and outdoor equipment; that’s why it’s a target for thieves. At the same time, they’ll also snoop in boxes or cabinets for hidden treasures. If you can, install a sturdy lock on your garage door, and if possible, don’t store small valuables there at all.
Behind The Toilet Tank
This is the old ‘secret stash’ trick, as popularized by countless stories and movies. A thief might not be inspired to do that, but if they’re desperate enough, they’ll lift that lid and check inside the tank. Avoid keeping anything precious in water tanks. Get inconspicuous safes or security boxes that are made to appear as part of any daily item of the household.
Inside the Freezer
Perhaps you believe the frozen lasagna is the perfect decoy, but most burglars have already caught on to its icy hideaway. Lots of important documents, cash, and jewelry get tucked into food containers and stashed behind the ice cream. You wouldn’t put your jewelry box in the freezer now, would you? A seasoned thief knows to raid your freezer just as eagerly. Bolt your safe to the floor and store your valuables there. If you do want to have some money at home in case of emergency, pick someplace a bit more out of the ordinary.
